The beloved and groundbreaking story of Die Beautiful is set to come alive on stage, with two of the country’s most exciting drag artists leading its musical adaptation.
Drag Race Philippines Season 3 winner Maxie Andre, alongside Drag Race Philippines Season 1 and Slaysian Royale’s Viñas Deluxe, will alternate in the role of Trisha Echevarria—the character made famous by Paolo Ballesteros, who won Best Actor at the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival and the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival.
Tuxqs Rutaquio on the lead role
Die Beautiful: The Musical director Tuxqs Rutaquio explains the casting requirements: "For the musical, the role will require an artist who can navigate comedy and drama, deliver powerful vocals, and embody Trisha’s journey with truth, charisma, and emotional depth.
"We are thrilled to have Maxie and Viñas to alternately play Trisha Echevarria.
"The role of Trisha has become iconic, celebrated for her humor, heart, vulnerability, and unapologetic authenticity."
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Jun Robles Lana on Trisha Echevarria
Acclaimed filmmaker Jun Robles Lana, who is personally adapting his original masterpiece for the musical stage, shares the excitement for the production's lead stars.
“Bringing Trisha to life on stage requires a rare kind of magic, and Maxie and Viñas have that," Lana says.
"Watching them bring their own flavor, humor, and fierce heart to a character so personal to me is thrilling.
"I can't wait for audiences to see how they will elevate Trisha's story into something fresh yet wonderfully familiar.”
Produced by IdeaFirst Live, Die Beautiful: The Musical breathes new life into the acclaimed 2016 film, transforming its unforgettable story of beauty, identity, friendship, and chosen family into a live theatrical experience.
The musical adaptation aims to honor the spirit of the original film while reimagining it for the stage through music, spectacle, humor, and heart.
"As accomplished drag performers and champions in their own right, Maxie and Viñas bring not only exceptional talent and stage presence, but also a deep understanding of the spirit, resilience, and humanity that make Trisha such a beloved character,” says Direk Tuxqs.
"Their distinct interpretations will offer audiences two equally compelling and unforgettable portrayals of this extraordinary role."
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Die Beautiful: The Musical is scheduled to open in June 2027 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati.
Preparations are already under way a full year in advance.
Further details on the full cast, creative team, performance dates, venue, and ticketing will be announced soon.